Central Idea

• The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has recently bestowed Geographical Indication (GI) tags on seven distinct products from Uttar Pradesh.
• These products represent the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the region.

What is GI Tag?

• A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
• GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
• The tag stands valid for 10 years.

GI tags awarded in UP

(1) Amroha Dholak – A Musical Masterpiece

• Description: The Amroha Dholak is a musical instrument crafted from natural wood, with a preference for mango, jackfruit, and teakwood.
• Carving Process: Skilled artisans use mango and sheesham wood to carve multiple-sized hollow blocks, which are then fitted with animal skin, predominantly goatskin, to create the instrument.

(2) Baghpat Home Furnishings – Timeless Handloom Artistry

• Description: Baghpat and Meerut are renowned for their exclusive handloom home furnishings and running fabrics crafted from cotton yarn for generations.
• Traditional Weaving: Skilled weavers in the region employ only cotton yarn in the handloom weaving process, ensuring the authenticity and quality of the products.

(3) Barabanki Handloom Product – A Heritage of Weaving

• Description: Barabanki and its surrounding areas house around 50,000 weavers and 20,000 looms, showcasing the significant presence of handloom weaving.
• Weaving Tradition: The region has a rich history of handloom weaving, with the skilled craftsmen contributing to the vibrant textile industry of Barabanki.

(4) Kalpi Handmade Paper – Time-Honored Craftsmanship

• Description: Kalpi is known for its handmade paper, with the craft being introduced by Munnalal ‘Khaddari’, a Gandhian, in the 1940s.
• Craftsmanship Legacy: The handmade paper-making cluster in Kalpi engages more than 5,000 craftsmen and approximately 200 units, preserving the tradition of exquisite paper-making.

(5) Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip – Crafted Elegance

• Description: Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip represents the stone craft of the region, created from the unique and soft ‘Pyro Flight Stone.’
• Radiant White Stone: The craft utilizes radiant white-colored stone predominantly found in the region, producing exquisite craft items.

(6) Mainpuri Tarkashi – Artistry in Brass Wire Inlay

• Description: Mainpuri is known for Tarkashi, an art form involving brass wire inlay work on wood.
• Traditional Use: Tarkashi was primarily used for crafting khadaous (wooden sandals) as a household necessity, replacing leather due to cultural considerations.

(7) Sambhal Horn Craft – Unique Handmade Art

• Description: Sambhal Horn Craft utilizes raw materials sourced from deceased animals and involves meticulous handcrafting processes.
• Artisanal Creation: Skilled craftsmen transform raw materials into beautiful handmade products, showcasing the uniqueness of Sambhal’s horn craft.

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